The Joy of Movement: Why Dance Is Essential for Children Ages 2–12

Dance offers age-appropriate benefits for children that build on each other year after year:

1. Physical Development

Dance improves coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility. Multiple classes per week reinforce muscle memory and support healthy posture and motor skills which is crucial for developing bodies.

2. Emotional Growth

Dance is a form of expression. It helps children process emotions, build confidence, and feel successful through positive reinforcement and goal-setting.

3. Cognitive Benefits

Children engaged in dance show improved focus, memory, and pattern recognition. Structured routines help develop discipline and the ability to follow complex instructions.

4. Social Skills

In group classes, children learn teamwork, listening skills, and how to support their peers helping foster empathy and collaboration from a young age.

Why More Dance Is Better

While one class per week is a great start, multiple classes offer exponential benefits:

• Faster Skill Progression
  Repetition builds mastery. With more time each week, students grow stronger technically and creatively.
  

• Cross-Training Opportunities
  Taking different styles (ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, etc.) helps develop versatility, agility, and a deeper love for movement.
  

• Consistency Builds Confidence
  More classes mean more opportunities to feel proud, prepared, and performance-ready. Kids feel the difference when they’re truly invested.
  

• Safe & Active Screen-Free Time
  Regular dance classes provide a healthy alternative to screens and sedentary activities, especially during critical growth periods.

With a new dance season upon us, now’s the perfect time to encourage your dancers to take multiple classes per week. Consider offering a discount on the second class and/or scheduling complimentary classes back to back.

We're Thrilled to Announce Our 2025 Pinnacle Keynote Speaker: Jasmine BRETT STRINGER

The countdown is on for the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat, July 18–20, 2025 in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana—and we have some exciting news to share!

We are absolutely honored to welcome Jasmine Brett Stringer as our 2025 Pinnacle Keynote Speaker!

If you're not already familiar with Jasmine, she is a powerhouse speaker, author, and lifestyle strategist who brings heart, humor, and wisdom to every room she enters. As the founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine, she’s made it her life’s mission to inspire others to seize the day and live with intention. Her message is deeply relevant for dance educators and studio owners navigating the ever-evolving demands of the industry—and life.

“Carpe Diem isn’t just a phrase for Jasmine, it’s a way of life. Her empowering energy and practical insight will leave you feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to rise.”
— Tiffany Henderson, Twinkle Star Dance Founder

Whether you're a returning attendee or joining us for the first time, the 2025 Pinnacle experience promises to be our most impactful yet—with time to grow, learn, connect, and dance together in one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.

It’s not too late to join us!

Dates: July 18–20, 2025
Location: New Orleans, LA
Learn more and RSVP here »

We can’t wait to reconnect with all of you and experience the magic of Jasmine’s keynote together. See you at Pinnacle!

Dance and Child Well-Being: Why Your Role as an Educator Matters More Than Ever

As dance educators, we understand the transformative power of movement. Beyond technique, choreography, and performance, dance offers something deeper—an opportunity to support the holistic development of children. In a world where mental health challenges, physical inactivity, and social disconnection are increasingly common among young people, your role as a dance teacher is more vital than ever.

This post explores how dance positively impacts a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being—and how you, as an educator, can intentionally foster those benefits in the studio.

1. Physical Health: Building Strong, Resilient Bodies

Dance is one of the most effective ways to engage children in sustained physical activity. As an educator, you're helping students:

• Develop strength, flexibility, and coordination promoting motor skills and muscle development through warm-ups, exercises, and choreography.

• Improve posture and balance by strengthening core muscles and enhancing body awareness.

• Establish lifelong habits of movement 

2. Emotional and Mental Health: Creating a Safe Space for Expression

Your studio can be a sanctuary for students to express what they can't always verbalize. Dance helps children:

• Regulate emotions through movement and rhythm

• Build self-confidence as they master new skills

• Experience joy and release through music and expression

3. Social Development: Fostering Connection and Empathy

Dance is inherently social. In your classes, you're shaping the way children interact with one another. Dance encourages:

• Teamwork and collaboration in group choreography

• Respect for personal space and others' ideas

• Cultural appreciation through exposure to diverse movement forms

4. Cognitive Growth: Boosting Brain Power Through Movement

Dance is deeply cognitive. Memorizing sequences, responding to cues, and navigating space all activate the brain. Dance supports:

• Memory, focus, and spatial awareness

• Creative problem-solving and adaptability

• Academic performance through increased discipline and executive functioning

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Children today face pressures and distractions previous generations never imagined. Your dance class might be the one place where they feel seen, empowered, and free. You’re not just teaching dance movements—you’re helping shape confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals.

Your Influence as a Dance Educator Is Transformative

As a dance educator, you're uniquely positioned to nurture the whole child. Every class you teach is an opportunity to support not only their growth as dancers but their development as thriving human beings. In fostering movement, you foster well-being. In guiding expression, you guide healing. And in building technique, you build confidence that reaches far beyond the studio.

Action Step for Educators:
Reflect on your teaching practice this week—where can you incorporate more opportunities for emotional expression, social connection, or cognitive challenge? Even small changes can make a lasting impact.

Learn more about the benefits of dance for children at Tiffany Henderson’s Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat July 18-20, 2025 at the Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans, LA. Immerse yourself in three days of dance movement classes, business seminars from leaders in the industry, plus preview the all new Dance Positive courses within a like-minded community of dance educators. 

Incorporating Positive Psychology into Dance Education: Empowering Students On and Off the Floor

As dance educators, we do more than teach pliés, pirouettes, and performance. We shape mindsets, build character, and help young people discover their strength and resilience. That’s where the field of positive psychology—the scientific study of what makes life most worth living—can powerfully elevate our work in the studio.

By integrating positive psychology principles into our teaching, we create an environment that not only develops great dancers but also nurtures empowered, confident, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

What Is Positive Psychology, and Why Does It Matter in Dance?

Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on what’s "wrong" with people, positive psychology centers on strengths, values, and what helps people thrive. For dancers—especially children and teens navigating high-pressure environments—this shift in focus can be transformative.

Key elements of positive psychology that resonate deeply with dance include:

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities for growth, not failure.

• Flow State: Helping dancers find joy and deep engagement in the act of dancing.

• Gratitude and Optimism: Fostering a culture of appreciation, both for personal progress and peer support.

• Strength-Based Feedback: Highlighting what students do well and building on those qualities.

• Resilience: Teaching students how to bounce back from disappointment—whether it’s a missed step or a tough critique.

Practical Strategies for the Studio

Here are a few simple ways dance educators can begin to weave positive psychology into their classes:

1. Start with Wins
   Open class with a “win circle” where dancers share something positive from their day or week. This sets an uplifting tone and helps build community.

2. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcome
   Acknowledge determination, risk-taking, and improvement, not just perfect execution. This promotes a growth mindset and helps dancers stay motivated.

3. Incorporate Visualization and Affirmations
   Guide students through positive visualization before performances or challenges, and encourage personal affirmations like “I am strong,” “I am prepared,” or “I am growing.”

4. Build Resilience through Reflection
   After setbacks, invite dancers to reflect: What did you learn? What will you try differently next time? This helps normalize struggle as part of the process.

5. Create a Culture of Gratitude
   End class with gratitude journaling or partner thank-yous—small but powerful practices that boost well-being and connection.

Learn More from a Leader in the Field

Want to dive deeper into how positive psychology can revolutionize your approach to teaching dance? Join Tiffany Henderson—dance studio owner, educator, and graduate of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program—at the upcoming Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat, July 18–20 at the Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans.

Tiffany will be sharing insights and practical tools from her unique blend of experience in both dance education and psychological science. This is your chance to learn from a leader who understands both the art and the heart of teaching dance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as an educator, connect with like-minded professionals, and bring a fresh, empowering perspective to your studio.

Register now for the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat and take the next step in your journey as a teacher, leader, and mentor.

Why Dance Education Will Thrive in an Era of Technological Disruption

Being a dance teacher and dance studio owner could indeed be a resilient and fulfilling career over the next 20–30 years, even as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation disrupt many industries. Here's an analysis of why this profession may remain viable and valuable in the face of these changes:

1. Dance Education Is Rooted in Human Connection

• Irreplaceable Human Interaction: Dance education relies on physical presence, human connection, and emotional expression—qualities that AI cannot replicate. Students often seek mentorship, encouragement, and personalized guidance from teachers, which requires empathy and intuition.

• Community Building: Dance studios serve as community hubs where people connect socially, build relationships, and find belonging. This communal aspect cannot be replaced by technology.

2. Physical Trades Are Less Susceptible to Automation

• Hands-On Work: Unlike coding or other digital jobs that can be automated by AI, teaching dance involves physical interaction, real-time adjustments to students' movements, and tactile feedback—all tasks that are difficult for machines to perform.

• Creative Expression: Dance is an art form that thrives on creativity and individuality. While AI can analyze patterns or generate choreography, it cannot replicate the unique artistry or cultural nuances of human-led dance instruction.

3. Growing Demand for Wellness and Arts

• Health Benefits of Dance: As awareness of mental health and physical fitness grows, more people are turning to activities like dance for stress relief, exercise, and self-expression. This trend is likely to continue as society prioritizes holistic well-being.

• Lifelong Learning: People increasingly value experiences over material goods. Dance classes cater to individuals across all age groups—from children to retirees—seeking enrichment and personal growth.

4. AI Will Complement, Not Replace, Dance Education

• Enhanced Tools for Teachers: AI can assist dance educators by providing tools like motion analysis software to improve technique or virtual reality platforms for supplemental training. However, these technologies will enhance rather than replace the role of a human teacher.

• Broader Reach Through Technology: Studio owners can use AI-driven marketing tools to attract students or offer hybrid classes (in-person and online), expanding their audience without diminishing the core human element of their work.

5. Resilience Amid Job Displacement

• Automation-Proof Skills: As millions of jobs in fields like coding, data entry, and even some creative industries become automated, careers in physical trades like dance education will remain relevant because they require uniquely human skills.

• Adaptability: Dance educators can diversify their offerings by teaching multiple styles or combining dance with other wellness practices like yoga or mindfulness. This adaptability makes the profession more resilient to economic shifts.

6. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

• Owning a Studio: As a business owner, you have control over your career trajectory. You can build a brand that caters to specific demographics (e.g., children’s classes, competitive teams, adult fitness) and adjust your services based on market demand.

• Multiple Revenue Streams: Studio owners can generate income through class fees, merchandise sales (e.g., dancewear), recitals/performances, workshops, and online courses.

7. The Value of Trades in an AI-Dominated Economy

• Shift Toward Service-Oriented Jobs: As automation reduces the need for repetitive tasks in many industries, there will be greater emphasis on jobs that involve human interaction and creativity—areas where trades like dance instruction excel.

• Cultural Preservation: Dance educators play a critical role in preserving cultural traditions through movement. This work becomes even more important as societies seek to maintain cultural identity in an increasingly digitized world.

8. Long-Term Viability

• Demand for Arts Education: Public interest in arts education tends to persist regardless of technological advances because it fulfills emotional and social needs that technology cannot address.

• Economic Resilience: Even during economic downturns or technological upheavals, people often turn to affordable forms of enrichment like community-based dance classes.

In an era where AI is poised to disrupt countless professions, being a dance teacher or studio owner offers stability due to its reliance on human creativity, emotional connection, and physical presence—qualities that are uniquely resistant to automation. Additionally, the growing focus on health and wellness supports long-term demand for dance education as both an art form and a means of personal enrichment. By embracing technology as a tool rather than a replacement (e.g., using AI for marketing or supplemental training), dance educators can thrive in the evolving economy while offering services that remain deeply rooted in human experience.